Michael Bay Recalls Bruce Willis’ Attempt to Break Into a NASA Space Shuttle While Filming ‘Armageddon’
variety.comAngelique Jackson Twenty-four years ago, director Michael Bay had yet to dream up the high-speed car chases in “Ambulance,” but was instead focused on a team of deep-core oil drillers who were tasked with saving the world from an asteroid the size of Texas.Perennial action hero Bruce Willis headlined the 1998 space movie, playing Harry S.
Stamper, leader of the rough-and-tumble crew of newbie astronauts. It may be hard to imagine now, but “Armageddon” was only Bay’s third feature, so landing Willis was a major coup, particularly since the director had been inspired by the action star’s movies (especially 1988’s “Die Hard”) since early in his career.In a recent interview, Bay reflected on Willis legacy and told Variety what makes the actor — whose family announced last month that he will be stepping back from acting — so iconic. “Bruce, he’s a movie star,” Bay said simply. “He can command the screen.
He’s very funny too.”Of working with the iconic actor, Bay added: “He takes control of the cast, and he’s got a great fun energy and I had a great time.
He was tough at first, and by the way, ‘Armageddon’ was a total fun set. … It was almost like camp.”And just like any good camper, Willis was a little mischievous on set.
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